A carrier-locked phone can only use SIM profiles from the carrier that sold it. If you bought your phone on a monthly contract or installment plan from AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, SoftBank, or any other carrier, there is a real chance the phone is locked. A locked phone will reject a Roamiya eSIM installation with an error like "Cellular Plan Cannot Be Added" or "SIM Not Valid." Checking this before you buy saves you the frustration of a failed installation and a non-refundable purchase.
The check is built directly into iOS:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then About.
- Scroll down to the Carrier Lock section.
If it says "No SIM restrictions", your iPhone is unlocked and compatible with Roamiya. If it says "SIM locked" or shows a specific carrier name, your phone is locked to that carrier.
This setting is definitive. You do not need to guess or test with another SIM card.
Android does not have a single lock-status screen like iOS. Use one of these methods:
Method 1: Different SIM test (most reliable)
Borrow a physical SIM card from someone who uses a different carrier than yours. Power off your phone, insert the borrowed SIM, and power back on. If you can make a call, your phone is unlocked. If the phone prompts for an "Unlock Code" or displays "SIM Invalid," it is locked.
Method 2: Settings check (Samsung)
Go to Settings, then Connections, then Mobile Networks. Look for Network Operators. If you can manually search for and select networks other than your own, the phone is likely unlocked. This method is less reliable than the SIM swap test, but it is a useful first indicator.
Method 3: Settings check (Pixel)
Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIMs. If you can add or switch between SIM profiles without errors, the phone is likely unlocked.
Dial *#06# on any phone. If you see an EID number alongside the IMEI, your phone hardware supports eSIM. But hardware support is not the same as being unlocked. You need both: an eSIM-capable phone that is also carrier-unlocked.
If your phone is locked, you need to request an unlock from the carrier that sold it. This is free in most markets if you meet the requirements.
| Carrier | Unlock requirements | Typical processing time |
|---|
| AT&T (US) | Device paid off, account in good standing, submit request online | 24-48 hours |
| Verizon (US) | Automatically unlocks 60 days after purchase (no request needed) | Automatic |
| T-Mobile (US) | Device paid off, 40+ days active on network | 2 business days |
| Vodafone UK | Submit unlock request via online form | 48-72 hours |
| EE UK | Text UNLOCK to 150 | Up to 72 hours |
| SoftBank (Japan) | Request via My SoftBank portal | 1-5 business days |
General requirements across carriers:
- The device must be fully paid off (no remaining installments).
- Your account must be in good standing (no overdue bills).
- Any minimum contract period must have ended.
If you are still paying off your phone, most carriers will not unlock it until the balance is settled. Some carriers allow early payoff specifically to enable unlocking for travel.
If your departure is days away and the unlock process has not completed, you have a few options:
- Use a physical local SIM instead of an eSIM. A locked phone can still use physical SIM cards from the locking carrier, so if you are traveling to a country where your carrier has a roaming partnership, their SIM may work. This is not ideal for cost but it gets you connected.
- Use WiFi-only for data while relying on your home SIM for calls and texts. This works if your hotel and cafes have reliable WiFi, but you will not have data for maps or navigation on the go.
- Borrow or buy an unlocked phone for the trip. If you have an older unlocked phone at home, you can install the Roamiya eSIM on that device and use it as a dedicated travel data phone or hotspot.
- Check if your carrier offers a temporary unlock. Some carriers provide short-term unlocks for travel purposes. Contact your carrier's customer service and ask specifically about travel unlock policies.
An unlocked phone still needs eSIM hardware support. Once your phone is unlocked, confirm that it can install an eSIM profile by checking the
device compatibility guide or using the
compatibility checker. Then
compare eSIM options to find the right plan for your trip.
